Online Pharmacy Technician Programs TX
The role of a pharmacy technician has long been an important one, and now they are more critical to the smooth and efficient operation of any pharmacy than ever before. Pharmacy technicians in Texas can - and are - be called upon to serve as a patient's main point of contact, as the primary insurance biller. This healthcare professional helps pharmacists fill accurate prescriptions and even, in some cases, is a key staff participant in the increasing number of 'minute clinics' found in pharmacies across the state.
In short, becoming a pharmacy technician in Texas offers people the chance to enjoy a rewarding career in the medical field that can be entered relatively quickly and offers both room for advancement and an increasingly good salary.
Find out more about a Pharmacy Technician's Pay.
What are the Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Texas?
The Texas State Board of Pharmacy requires all pharmacy technicians to obtain and then maintain an active registration with them. To get that registration, candidates must meet all of the following requirements:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency
- Must be legally authorized to live and work in the State of Texas
- Must have passed either the PTCB or the ExCPT pharmacy technician certification exam
- Must have submitted to, and paid for, fingerprinting by a TSBP approved vendor. That cost is usually around $55-$60.
- Must be able to provide a criminal background report from an approved vendor. These companies are listed on the TSBP website. No one who has a drug-related conviction on their record will be granted pharmacy technician registration.
- Must pay an initial registration fee of $84
In addition, some pharmacy technician schools in Texas - those that offer an outside work training program, for example - may require students to obtain a pharmacy technician trainee registration from the TSBP. This involves meeting all the requirements above - except for certification - and payment of a $55 fee. The Pharmacy Technician Trainee registration must be replaced with full registration after obtaining pharmacy technician certification.
Online Pharmacy Technician Schools in Texas
The State of Texas is one of the US states that requires that registered pharmacy technicians obtain formal certification - either from the PTCB or the NHA - but they do not mandate that a formal course of education is followed. However, to meet the requirements to take these certification exams, doing so is the most expedient and efficient way to gain the knowledge required to pass them.
There are a number of great PTCB approved pharmacy technician training programs across the state, each of which offers something different. Here is a closer look at those programs to help you make the right decision for you:
Find out more about Texas pharmacy technician schools.
1. The University of Texas at San Antonio Professional and Continuing Education
Location: Online
Mailing Address: 501 W. Cesar Chavez Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78207
Tel: (210) 458-2411
Website
The Pharmacy Technician Online Certification Training Program is a 400 classroom-hour program that results in a non-credit granting professional certificate. Students can access the course from anywhere in the state and have up to twelve months to complete it at their own pace.
The course is been taught by working pharmacists and is PTCB approved as a program that covers the required knowledge to obtain formal certification as a pharmacy technician. Much of the work consists of recorded lectures and coursework that can be completed whenever a student desires, but some lab-based modules do call for timed attendance on Zoom-based sessions.
The coursework covers: ethics of pharmacy practice and education about prescription medications, patient care, and interaction, including charges and reimbursement.
Students are also offered the option to perform an actual hands-on 100-hour clinical externship with a local pharmacy.
Financial aid is not available to cover the cost of the course, which is set at $2,495. This cost does cover all books and other materials, as well as the cost of taking the PTCB certification exam at the conclusion of the program.
Registration can be completed online, and while it is open to everyone, it is worth noting that the PTSB will not grant a registration to those who do not meet their requirements as outlined earlier above.
2. University of Houston
Delivery: Online
Address: Houston, Texas 77204
Tel: (713) 743 2255
Website
This 400 classroom hour Pharmacy Technician course is offered completely online, allowing students to take up to 12 months to complete it at their own pace, and has received PTCB approval as a course that covers the basic knowledge needed to pass their pharmacy technician certification exam. It also grants a professional certificate upon completion.
While there are some Zoom based lectures that must be attended at a specific time, most of the coursework can be completed whenever a student's schedule allows it. Should they want to, students can also complete an in person internship at a local pharmacy arranged with the school's assistance.
The cost of the course at the time of writing is set at $2,495.00. This includes all books and supplies, as well as a voucher to meet the cost of sitting the PTCB pharmacy technician certification exam. Financial aid is not available, but creditworthy students may be able to spread out the cost via Affirm. Registration is completed online and open to anyone over the age of 18 who holds a high school diploma or GED.
3. Tyler Junior College
Delivery: Online
Address: Tyler Junior College, P.O. Box 9020, Tyler, Texas 75711-9020
Tel: 888-574-6218
Website
This online only program offers a PTCB approved path to pharmacy technician certification that is designed to be completed in 12 months or less and offers a total of 400 hours of formal classroom study as well as the chance to complete an optional in-person internship with a local pharmacy.
In addition to recorded and written study modules, live Zoom lectures are offered, as well as the chance to work one on one with a registered pharmacy technician mentor. When a student nears the end of the program and is preparing to take their certification exam they can also access additional study aids for a better test taking experience. At the end of the program a student will be granted a professional certificate from the school as well.
The cost of the program is set at $1,499.00. Financial aid is not available, but the cost can be split into 3 smaller payments via NelNet Financing. The program fee does not include the cost of taking a pharmacy technician certification exam, which a student must arrange and pay for separately. Registration is completed online and is open to anyone over the age of 18 who holds a high school diploma or GED.
4. TCI Dallas
Delivery: In class (mornings or evenings)
Address: 9441 LBJ Freeway suite 300 Dallas TX 75243
Tel: (214)-691-0555
Website
For those in the Dallas area interested in completing an in-person, PTCB approved pharmacy technician training program, attending TCI may be ideal. This comprehensive 598 classroom hour professional certificate program is offered at their downtown Dallas campus and meets three evenings a week for twelve months.
In addition to providing students with the technical knowledge needed to pass their certification exam, students gain practical, hands-on experience in both the school's on-campus labs and via an internship with a local pharmacy. They are also offered the chance to complete an additional IV medication administration module which may be helpful in expanding their career prospects in more technical pharmacy settings.
The cost of this program is set at $1800. This does not however include the cost of registration with the Texas Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician trainee, which is a requirement of admission to the program. It also does not cover the cost of taking either the PTCB or ExCPT certification exam.
Financial aid is not available to cover the cost of this professional certificate program, but monthly payment financing is offered to creditworthy students via Affirm or NelNet financing.
5. Texas A&M University International
Delivery: Online
Address: Office of Continuing Education, 5201 University Boulevard, Killam Library 421, Laredo, TX 78041
Tel: 956.326.3068
Website
While the University does not offer a pharmacy technician training program directly they have partnered with online training company Ed2Go to offer an online only pharmacy technician professional certificate program that is both PTCB and ASHP approved. The latter is a distinction that is only awarded to a handful of online programs and is a mark of the perceived quality in the eyes of working registered professionals.
Although certain live video lectures must be attended, the program's 400 hour classroom components are conducted online, so students can plan to complete the rest of their courses whenever it's most convenient for them. Students also have the option of participating in a practical internship in a nearby CVS drugstore, which can be coordinated with the help of the school. Although students have the option of finishing the course in as little as six months, it is meant to be completed in less than twelve months.
To enroll, students must be over the age of 18 and hold a high school diploma or GED. The cost of the program is set at $4,199.00, and includes all books and course materials, a voucher to take the PTCB certification exam at the end of the program and the services of a personal career mentor and study coach, as well as placement assistance after graduation. Financial aid is not available, but creditworthy students may be able to obtain Affirm financing to spread out the cost.
6. Alamo Colleges District
Delivery: Online
Address: 2222 N. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78215
Tel:1-844-202-5266
Website
Although the institution does not officially provide a pharmacy technician training program, it has partnered with online training provider Ed2Go to provide an online-only, PTCB and ASHP accredited pharmacy technician professional certificate program. The latter is a distinction that is only given to a few online courses and is a sign of what working registered professionals believe to be the program's level of excellence.
The program's 400 hours of classroom instruction are delivered online, so students can plan to finish the remaining courses whenever it's most convenient for them, even if some live video lectures must be attended. Additionally, students have the choice to take part in a practical internship at a neighboring CVS pharmacy, which can be organized with the aid of the school. Although there is the potential for students to complete the course in as little as six months, it is intended to be finished in less than a year.
Students must be at least 18 years old and have either a high school diploma or a GED in order to enroll. A voucher to take the PTCB certification exam at the end of the program, all textbooks and course materials, the services of a personal career mentor and study coach, as well as placement support after graduation, are all included in the program's $4,199.00 price tuition fees. Although there is no financial aid available, creditworthy students might be able to split the cost through Affirm financing.
7. Baylor Scott & White Health Pharmacy Technician Training
Delivery: Online
Address: Pat Neff Hall, Suite 304, 1320 S. 7th St. Waco, TX 76706
Tel: (254) 710-6440
Website
With a total of 400 hours of formal classroom study plus the option to complete an on-site internship with a nearby pharmacy, this online-only program offers a PTCB-approved path to pharmacy technician certification that is meant to be accomplished in 12 months or less.
Live Zoom lectures are available in addition to pre-recorded and written study materials, and there is also the option to work one-on-one with a certified pharmacy technician mentor. A student can access more study materials for a better test-taking experience as the program comes to a close and they are getting ready to take their certification exam. A student will also receive a professional certificate from the school at the conclusion of the program.
The cost of the program is set at $2,495.00. Financial aid is not available, but for those whose credit score qualifies them installment payments can be made via Affirm Financing. Enrollment is completed online and is offered to anyone over the age of 18 who holds a high school diploma or GED.
8. Blinn College
Delivery: Day, night and online.
Campus: 902 College Avenue, Brenham, TX 77833
Tel: 979-830-4443
Website
Blinn College offers day, night, and online pharmacy technician certificate program options at its Brenhan, Texas campus that is taught as a three times weekly evening class. The program consists of 167 hours of classroom learning time, as well as a 200 hour external placement with a local pharmacy and is designed to be completed in six months.
This PTCB approved non credit granting program is offered as a professional development course and local residents may be able to offset the cost of participation by applying for scholarship funds that are granted to low income students. Others who do not qualify for those funds may be offered a sliding scale tuition plan that can be arranged via the admissions office.
To enroll students must obtain a Pharmacy Technician in Training registration from the Texas Board of Pharmacy, and they are responsible for those costs, as well as for the cost of taking the pharmacy technician certification test of their choice at the end of the program.
9. AmTech Career Academy
Delivery: Online
Tel: (800) 777 3939
Website
AmTech maintains both Dallas and Fort Worth campuses in Tarrant County and offers its hybrid PTCB approved Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program to local residents at a reduced cost, or, for those who qualify, at no cost.
The majority of coursework can be completed online on a student's schedule, with in-person lab sessions offered as an evening class. This 162 classroom hour class is PTCB approved and also calls for the completion of a 200 hour internship with a local pharmacy. Students can also receive additional in person and/or online mentorship and study assistance when preparing to take the PTCB at the end of the program.
Most students pay for their participation in this program via Tarrant County workforce grants, or via a sliding scale payment program arranged via the school. Students must register as pharmacy technicians in training with the Texas Board of Pharmacy in order to participate, and they are liable for both those charges as well as the fee for the pharmacy technician certification exam of their choosing at the program's conclusion.
10. Focus RX
Delivery: Online
Mailing Address: PO Box 631476, Irving, TX, 75063
Tel: (214) 414-0380
Website
This seven week online pharmacy technician certfication exam prep course is offered primarily for those who hold a Pharmacy Technician in Training Registration with the state already and are looking for additional study resources and assistance prior to taking their PTCB certification exam.
Offered as a combination of recorded and live video lectures, the Focus RX pharmacy technician training course is offered at a cost of $249, payable at the time of enrollment, with students gaining as needed access to the course materials for up to twelve months.
11. PIMA Medical Institute
Delivery: On Campus/Hybrid
Campus: El Paso, Houston, San Antonio
Tel: (800) 477-7462
Website
In Texas, PIMA, a private vocational college, maintains campuses in Houston, El Paso and San Antonio and their Pharmacy Technician Certificate program is an in-person, campus based course offered as both a daytime and an evening class.
A speedy way to complete a detailed overview of the skills necessary to function as a pharmacy technician and pass the PTCB exam is provided by the PIMA Medical Institute Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program. Students who take daytime sessions finish the program in about 35 weeks (about 8 months), whereas those who take night classes finish it in about 40 weeks (about 9 months).
The program has a predetermined price of $14,106. The cost of required tests, background checks, and the requirement that students register as pharmacy technicians in training with the Texas Board of Pharmacy before enrolling are not included in this amount.
Those who meet the requirements can obtain conventional federal and state student loans as well as some Texas workforce grants.
12. Houston Community College
Delivery: Hybrid
Campus: 3100 Main Street, Houston TX 77002
Phone: 713 718 2000
Website
Houston Community College offers local students a comprehensive, three semester Pharmacy Technician Certificate program that is both PTCB approved and credit granting, earning graduates of the program up to 15 credits transferable to later study for an AAS degree in Health Sciences.
This campus based program is open to students of all ages who have registered as a Pharmacy Technician in Training with the Texas Board of Pharmacy at their own cost and who can meet the school's own minimum educational requirements in English and Math. Classes meet in the day on campus, although some study can be completed online. The completion of an internship with a local pharmacy is also required prior to graduation.
Conventional financial aid is available to those who qualify, as are a limited number of workforce grants and school offered scholarships.
What Can I Earn As a Pharmacy Technician in Texas?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022 the average salary for a pharmacy technician working in Texas was $17.04 per hour, or $38,360 per year. This will vary considerably though, according to your experience level and the pharmacy setting you choose to work in. The same figures show that the top 10% of earners in Texas make $48,850 or more per year, while newly certified pharmacy technicians with limited experience can expect a starting salary of around $29,780 or less.